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Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day Devotion - Enjoy this Day! - Acts 17:18

Acts 17:18 A
group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of
them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked,
"He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul
was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

All across the land, families will
be gathering together, enjoying Memorial Day. For most Americans, it’s a sacred
day to honor those who gave of their lives in past and present wars, as well as
a time to respect and remember those among us who are still serving our country
in the military. There will also be a lot of feasting and fun because the best
way to commemorate the war dead is to live life freely and fully, enjoying the
precious liberty that we have with our loved ones, and embracing the freedom that
we have been selflessly given.

It’s also a day of faith, hope, and
love when people of small towns and large cities will gather at military cemeteries
to place small flags over the graves of those who served so long ago. Red,
white, and blue is to be seen everywhere, and the Stars and Stripes is flown
from flagpoles and homes all across the country. It’s a beautiful sight to see
and a wonderful blessing to experience.

For those of us who are Christians,
there is also the wonderful hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ, who also
gave of His Life so that we may be saved from our sins, restored to God’s
Kingdom, and blessed with everlasting life. One amazing day, when Christ
returns, all of those heroes’ graves will burst open jubilantly and the
sleeping warriors within them will be raised to the glorious eternity that we
all seek. Our commemorations of the dead will suddenly become celebrations of
Life and we will all be together with Christ forever. This is the good news
that Paul preached about in Athens; this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we
continue to share today, till the end of Time.

Questions for personal reflection

What does Memorial
Day mean to me? How are my freedom and faith connected to my salvation in
Christ?

Prayer:Lord Jesus, on this special day when
we remember the fallen heroes of our nation, we also remind ourselves of Your
Supreme Sacrifice which has given us hope for the Life that is yet to come. Be with
our people this day, and as we honor those who have served and are still serving
our nation, keep us mindful of the service that we can still give to You each
day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.